Final answer:
The body responds to stress through the sympathetic nervous system and HPA axis, releasing adrenaline and cortisol. Prolonged stress weakens the immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body generally responds to stressors through the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When we perceive something as stressful, the sympathetic nervous system releases adrenaline, triggering the fight-or-flight response with increased heart rate and respiration. Simultaneously, the HPA axis releases hormones, such as cortisol, to prepare the body for stress. However, prolonged elevated levels of cortisol can weaken the immune system. The stress response has both short-term and long-term effects on the body, and chronic stress can lead to serious health problems.